From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Clewiston Man Offers Bribe To Hendry Deputy

Bribe Allegedly Offered To Release Arrested ManCLEWISTON, FL. -- On Friday, August 17, 2012, Hendry County Deputies arrested 33 year old Analid Cruz and 21 year old Marino Sanchez after they refused to allow Hendry County Sheriff’s Agriculture Deputy Mark White to remove three malnourished horses from the property.

Sanchez (photo above) threatened a deputy with harm at the scene. On the way to jail, Cruz allegedly offered to pay a deputy to let him go.

Deputy White responded to the area of 756 N. Arboleda Street, Montura Ranch Estates, Clewiston, Florida to remove three malnourished horses that had previously been reported by the property owner. When Deputy White arrived at the property he was met by both Cruz and Sanchez. Deputy White identified himself and told them he was there to take the horses.

Both Cruz (photo left) and Sanchez refused to allow Deputy White onto the property and told him that he was not taking them without giving them money. White again told them of his intentions to remove the horses; both Cruz and Sanchez began speaking with one another in Spanish. Sanchez looked at Deputy White and threatened him stating “you can be killed” and then smiled.

Deputy White left the property but returned with two additional deputies. It was during this time that both suspects were taken into custody. During a spontaneous statement they did admit to interfering with White’s investigation.

A warrant check on Analid Cruz revealed an outstanding Hendry County Warrant. It was during his transport to the Hendry County Jail that he asked the Deputy to let him go numerous times and told the deputy he would compensate “him” with whatever he wanted.

Analid Cruz, 33, of 556 N. Arboleda Street, Montura Ranch Estates, was arrested and charged with Bribery of a Public Servant and Obstructing Justice. He was later released on $6,950.00 bond.

Marino Sanchez, 21, of 756 N. Arboleda Street, Montura Ranch Estates, was arrested and charged with Obstructing Justice. He was later released on $1,250.00 bond.